Emancipation Celebration: August 6-9!

Paducah’s 33rd Annual Emancipation Celebration kicks off today, August 5, with great festivities through the weekend!

This longtime tradition - also known as “Eighth of August” -  attracts friends and family from all over. The event marks President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Legend has it that word of the decree didn’t reach Paducah until August 8 of that year. Other locations celebrate on June 19 - known as “Juneteenth.”

As always, Paducah’s celebration is top-notch, with events that are sure to be fun for everyone.

Here’s the line-up (please send an email if we’re missing anything and we’ll add it in!):

Wednesday, August 5

Opening Celebration With Torch Lighting
Nia And Nia Heroes
W. C. Young Community Center
4:30 p.m.
Stop by this kick off to the Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration! Includes arts, crafts and street dance. The torch lighting is 6 p.m.

Thursday, August 6

Jacqueline Carter

Luncheon Seminar: Signs, Symptoms & Prevention of Strokes
Western Baptist Hospital
Speakers: Dr. Patrick Withrow & Dr. Jacqueline Carter
Noon-1 p.m.
Learn about stroke education, prevention and treatment. Lunch included — please reserve by calling 575.2918.

Flag Football Game With Music And Dance
“Northside vs. Southside”
Old Lincoln School Grounds
4:30 p.m.
Break out those mouth guards and shoulder pads!

Open House
W. C. Young Community Center
7 p.m.
Enjoy friends and fellowship.

Friday, August 7

Fish Fry
Hotel Metropolitan
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Everyone is invited to this annual fish fry! Plates, $6.50; Sandwiches $3.50, Metro Tea $1.

Festivities, Vendors and Youth Activities
Robert Coleman Park
1-7 p.m.
Everyone is invited for music, games, vendors and fun!

“Bighouse Gaines” 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament
Robert Coleman Park
3 p.m. Registration
4 p.m. Games
OK, all you Michael Jordans and Scotty Pippins! Bring on your game! And enjoy music and gumbo, too!

Paducah’s ‘09 American Gospel Music Celebration
Carson Park Fairgrounds
5:30 p.m.
AMG “A Moment with God” Productions invites everyone to bring lawn chairs and blankets, grab a cool, crisp drink and a tasty bite from the concession stand and kick back, relax and enjoy some wonderful gospel music from Tru Praiz, Vocal, Red Reset and The Blood Brothers!
Download the PDF for more info.

Live Rap Performances
Robert Coleman Park
6:30 p.m.
Annual Emancipation Dance
Featuring “OLD SOUL” from Macon, Ga.
Robert Cherry Civic Center
9 p.m.-1 p.m.
$20/person
For more info, call Eric Patterson, 366.1795

Saturday, August 8

Annual Breakfast
W. C. Young Community Center
7-11 a.m.
$6/person

Parade, Featuring Paducah Tilghman Band of Blue
Patrick Sadlar, director
11 a.m.
Classic cars, floats, music! You’ll find it all at this annual parade! (Parade line up is 10 a.m., with parade start at 11 a.m.)

Car Show
Robert Coleman Park
11 a.m.
2:30 p.m. Winners Announced

Special Exhibit
Hotel Metropolitan
Noon-4 p.m.

Festivities and Vendors
Old School Games all day, including Tug Of War, Sack Race, Egg Toss, Hula Hoop and more! Watermelon Steal (4 p.m.), My Baby So Beautiful Contest (5 p.m.). Sponsored by area restaurants.
Robert Coleman Park
1-7 p.m. 

“Bighouse Gaines” 5-On-5 Basketball Tournament
Robert Coleman Park
2 p.m.

Live Blues Performance
Robert Coleman Park
7 p.m.

Bobby Brown Live
Harrah’s Metropolis Riverfront Event Center
8 p.m.
Groove to hits like “Don’t Be Cruel,” “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step” in Bobby Brown’s one night only performance — his first appearance ever in our area! Doors open at 7 p.m.

Teen Dance
Robert Cherry Civic Center
8:30 p.m.
The young people take to the dance floor!

Sunday, August 9

Festivities, Vendors and Youth Activities
Robert Coleman Park
1-7 p.m.
So You Think You Can Sing Contest, Games With The Kids

Salute to Gospel Music Part XXVII & Memorial Tribute
Washington Street Baptist Church
4 p.m.
Enjoy the area’s best gospel music.